Walmart’s Next Streaming Stick Will Run Google TV Again

Key Takeaways

• Walmart's new Onn stick runs Google TV, same specs as 2023 model.
• Manufacturing switched from Luxshare (Vietnam) to Skyworth (Mexico).
• Supply chain shift aims to diversify production locations.
• Walmart keeps Google TV despite acquiring Vizio in 2024.
• Vizio remains a house‑brand TV line, not an OS platform.

Pulse Analysis

Walmart’s upcoming Onn Full HD Streaming Device underscores the retailer’s focus on delivering affordable, Google‑TV‑powered hardware to a price‑sensitive audience. The stick’s specifications—Full HD output, HDMI form factor, and Google TV interface—are identical to the 2023 version, suggesting no performance upgrades. By partnering with Skyworth, a seasoned maker of streaming devices, Walmart ensures continuity in user experience while leveraging a familiar ecosystem that includes Google Assistant, Chromecast, and a broad app catalog.

The most notable change lies in production geography. Earlier units were assembled by Luxshare in Vietnam; the new batch will be built in Mexico. This relocation serves multiple strategic purposes: it mitigates exposure to Southeast Asian supply‑chain disruptions, aligns with North American trade agreements, and may reduce shipping costs and tariffs for U.S. distribution. For a retailer that sells millions of low‑margin electronics, even modest savings can translate into competitive pricing and higher margins.

Strategically, Walmart’s decision to stick with Google TV is telling. Despite acquiring Vizio in 2024, the company has positioned Vizio as a house‑brand TV line rather than extending its SmartCast OS to new form factors. Maintaining Google TV on budget sticks avoids the complexity of integrating Vizio’s software stack and preserves a consistent user experience across Walmart’s entry‑level streaming portfolio. This approach reinforces Walmart’s role as a volume‑driven distributor while keeping the door open for future OS partnerships.